what happens when Mrs. Mallard learns that her husband is still alive?
"THe story of an Hour"
When Mrs. Mallard learns that her husband is still alive in the story "The Story of an Hour," she initially experiences a mix of emotions. At first, she is shocked, and her heart "pumped the blood furiously." However, as she allows herself to process the news, she begins to feel a sense of freedom and liberation.
Mrs. Mallard's initial reaction is somewhat expected, as her sister Josephine had to break the news gently to her due to her heart condition. Mrs. Mallard retreats to her room to be alone, where she sits in a chair and looks out of the window. She begins to realize that with her husband alive, all the oppressive expectations and limitations placed upon her as a wife will continue to exist. Her marriage has been characterized as oppressive, and she feels confined and stifled in it.
As Mrs. Mallard reflects on her newfound freedom, a sense of joy and relief starts to consume her. She embraces the idea of living for herself, "a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely." She envisions a future full of possibilities and personal happiness, unencumbered by the responsibilities and expectations of being a wife.
However, the sudden shift of emotion takes a tragic turn. Just as Mrs. Mallard is contemplating her new life, her husband, Brently Mallard, returns home. Upon seeing him alive, Mrs. Mallard is so overwhelmed by the realization of her lost freedom that she dies from "a joy that kills." The doctor pronounces her death as "of heart disease - of joy that kills."
In "The Story of an Hour," Mrs. Mallard's reaction to her husband being alive showcases not only her desires for individuality and freedom but also exposes the oppressive nature of marriage during the time period. Her brief taste of independence ultimately leads to a tragic end.